Looking to partner with a nanny agency, but not sure where to begin? Or feeling confident about a partnership but want to make sure you are covering all of your bases? Asking the right questions can make all the difference in finding an agency that supports your career goals and treats you as a valued professional.

Whether you’re a seasoned caregiver or new to agency partnerships, this guide walks through the essential nanny agency questions to ask before, during, and after you apply. Asking these questions not only gives you insight into the agency’s professionalism, but it also sets you up for success throughout the placement process and beyond.

1) Nanny Agency Questions to Ask Before You Apply

a) What are the agency’s mission and core values?

Understanding an agency’s mission tells you what they prioritize, whether that’s caregiver support, family match quality, ethics, or educational alignment. When values resonate, you’re more likely to join a supportive and respectful community.

b) Which regions and family types do they specialize in?

Are you focused on high-end families in West LA, traveling families around the country, bilingual households, newborn care, etc.? Make sure the agency supports roles that align with your experience and interests. Check out their job board!

c) How long has the agency been in business?

Experience matters. Agencies with a proven track record often have better vetting processes, more exclusive roles, a larger opportunity pool, and refined support systems that directly benefit your placement quality.

2) Nanny Agency Questions to Ask During the Application & Screening Process

a) What does your vetting process involve?

If it’s a reputable nanny agency, expect thorough screening: in-depth interviews, background checks, CPR and first aid verification, reference checks, and social media audits.

b) What kind of ongoing training or support do you provide?

The best agencies offer professional development, like workshops, CPR refresher courses, career coaching, or role-specific support. This shows they invest in your long-term success.

c) How often do you place nannies successfully?

A high placement rate reflects strong matchmaking practices and a solid reputation. Ask about the agency’s track record of successful placements (and what they define as a successful placement).

d) How do you source families and roles?

Do they utilize public platforms, referrals, or long-standing relationships? Agencies with deep networks and exclusive clients (especially returning clients) usually offer high-quality, well-vetted roles.

e) What criteria do you use to match nannies and families?

From lifestyle preferences and childcare philosophy to personality fit and work logistics, understanding the agency’s matching process helps you evaluate compatibility and set realistic expectations.

f) How much say do I have in the match?

Ideally, you want to work with an agency that values your wants and needs and actively seeks out your input and feedback, rather than passively accepting placements. At the end of the day, you’re going to be the one on the job!

g) What is your interview and trial process with families?

Does the agency coordinate video interviews and in-home trials? How long are typical trial periods? Clear expectations reduce surprises for both parties.

4) Nanny Agency Questions About Compensation, Benefits, & Logistics

a) What is the agency’s pay structure and rate recommendations?

Are you compensated through the agency or directly through the family? How do they guide families regarding compensation rates and ranges? Agencies should guide you toward fair, competitive compensation, rather than pressuring you to underbid.

b) Do they handle contracts and negotiations?

A great agency helps craft clear, legally sound contracts covering duties, hours, paid time off, sick days, confidentiality, and termination clauses.

c) How do you handle taxes and payroll?

Transparency around net pay, deductions, and compliance with local laws is essential.

d) Is there support for benefits and continued education?

Ask if the agency works with families that provide benefits like health insurance or if they provide retirement advice. This reflects a genuine commitment to your professional well-being.

5) Post-Placement Support & Career Growth

a) How often do you follow up after placement?

Regular check-ins let both parties raise concerns or recalibrate expectations early.

b) What if a placement isn’t working?

Not every placement goes perfectly. Ask about agency policies on mid-placement reviews, mediation support, transitions, and guidance post-placement.

c) Can I return to the agency for future placements?

Life changes, additional family members, travel needs, and relocation all happen. Sometimes positions end for reasons outside of your control. The best agencies welcome returning caregivers and support career progression.

6) Transparency, Ethics & Accountability

a) What is your cancellation or termination policy?

Understand what happens if either party needs to end placement early. Are there penalties or guarantees?

b) How is sensitive information handled?

Agencies should demonstrate strict confidentiality protocols and data protection practices.

c) Do you adhere to national or local standards?

Look for associations like the APNA, Association of Premier Nanny Agencies, or compliance with California labor laws. Agency membership in professional groups shows dedication to excellence.

7) Agency Reputation & Professional Presence

a) Have other nannies enjoyed working with the agency?

Check out reviews to read firsthand experiences from fellow caregivers.

b) How do you present candidates to families?

Do they provide full resumes, summary sheets, or video bios? Professional presentation matters; it sets the stage for strong first impressions with families.

c) How is your online presence and brand?

A well-maintained website, social media, and job listings reflect agency investment in branding, quality, and transparency.

8) FAQs About Working with a Nanny Agency

a) Q: Do I pay to work with your agency?

A: Absolutely not! Most reputable agencies, including Westside Nannies, are free for nannies. An agency should never ask you for payment in exchange for representation.

b) Q: How long does the process take?

A: As every family and nanny are different and every family moves at their own pace, it can vary greatly. While there is no “typical”, we’ve seen candidates placed in as little as two weeks after their initial interview with the agency, though we will say—this is rare! Fast matches like this are possible if you’re highly aligned with family needs.

c) Q: How can I speed up the process?

A: While parts of the placement process are out of your control, there are some ways to help expedite the process! If a member of our team reaches out with a question or request for additional information, get back to them ASAP. This is particularly helpful when communicating about scheduling interviews and/or trials. Visit the job board on a regular basis—it’s updated daily!—and apply to positions that you feel are in alignment with your goals.

d) Q: Can I apply elsewhere while working with the agency?

A: Yes! Westside Nannies is not an exclusive agency, which means you’re free to cast a wide net in your search and explore all available job opportunities. This also means you’re free to work with other agencies, as long as they are also non-exclusive.

e) Q: What if I don’t get a job through Westside Nannies?

A: As a referral agency, Westside Nannies unfortunately can’t guarantee employment (though we wish we could!). If you are not experiencing the outcome that you would’ve liked, get in touch with a member of our team for tips and advice on how to move forward.

9) Questions About Westside Nannies

a) Q: Why choose Westside Nannies over other nanny agencies?

With decades of experience, we pair caregivers with roles tailored not just to skillsets but to their values, personality, and long-term compatibility, ensuring placements that stick.

b) Q: How many placements does Westside Nannies make yearly?

We place caregivers every day! But it’s our high placement retention rate (thanks to thorough preparation, communication, and matching protocols) that makes Westside Nannies one of the nation’s top nanny agencies.

c) Q: Do you support travel, part-time, or temporary nannies?

Absolutely. Whether you specialize in travel nannying, newborn care, or educational roles, we place a diverse range of professionals. If you’re a childcare professional, we’d love to chat.

Asking the right questions ensures you choose an agency that supports your career, not just fulfills a job listing. From clear vetting processes to ongoing support and ethical practices, the best agencies become long-term allies, not just job sources.

If you’re ready to join a community of respected, well-matched caregivers, Westside Nannies is here to help you grow your career, connect with meaningful families, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from being professionally represented.